Photo: Gondola in Waiting

There are two important rules to remember about gondola rides in Venice:

1) If the price bothers you, don't do it.

2) If the price doesn't bother you, make sure you understood the gondolier correctly.

Fact is, a gondola ride is like a hansom cab ride in New York City: It can be a delightful experience, but only if you're able to forget the price and focus on the scenery

http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/gallivanting_by_gondola.htm